~Tyler~

Adrianna's eyes searched mine, her gaze piercing through my facade.

"There's something you're not telling me, Tyler," she said, her voice laced with frustration.

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt.

"There is," I admitted.

But I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth.

Not yet.

Adrianna's expression softened slightly.

"Tyler, I know you're hiding something," she said. "But I also know you're not a monster. You're my mate, my partner. We're supposed to trust each other."

I felt a surge of emotion, knowing I'd broken that trust.

"Adrianna, I..." I began.

But she interrupted me.

"No, Tyler, just listen," she said. "I know you rejected Aurora because...